Last Sleep of Arthur in Avalon v2 Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

The composition presents a scene steeped in melancholy and ritualistic solemnity. A central figure lies prone upon a richly adorned bed within what appears to be a stylized pavilion or temple structure. The architecture is not realistically rendered; instead, it functions as a symbolic backdrop, its golden hues suggesting an otherworldly quality. Surrounding the bed are several figures, their expressions ranging from grief and contemplation to quiet reverence.
The arrangement of these individuals suggests a formalized farewell. Some kneel in postures of mourning, while others stand observing with a mixture of sorrow and solemn duty. The color palette is dominated by muted greens, golds, and reds, contributing to the overall atmosphere of somber beauty. A woman dressed in blue, positioned near the head of the bed, seems to be the focal point of attention; her posture and gaze convey both grief and perhaps a sense of responsibility or leadership within this group.
The landscape visible through the open sides of the structure is indistinct, hinting at an idyllic yet inaccessible realm – a place of transition and rest. The presence of flowers growing around the base of the pavilion suggests a connection to nature and cycles of renewal, subtly contrasting with the finality of death.
Subtly embedded within the scene are elements that evoke themes of loss, legacy, and the passage of time. The elaborate bed and surrounding architecture imply a figure of considerable status, while the assembled mourners underscore the weight of his absence. There is an underlying sense of transition – not merely from life to death, but also from one era to another, with the implication that this individual’s passing marks the end of something significant. The overall effect is one of poignant beauty and quiet contemplation on mortality and remembrance.